One of the, if not the, most popular routes on Mont Blanc. First climbed by Leslie Stephen, Francis Fox Tuckett, Melchior Anderegg, Johann Bennen and Peter Perren on 18th July, 1861. Although fairly easy, the climb is not without danger, the most obvious being crossing the Grand Couloir on the approach. The Bosses ridge itself is very narrow and passing manuveurs between climbers can be tricky. Expect many people on the climb, not all of whom will have good manners, unfortunately. Finally, it is exposed to the winds, which can make progress diffiuclt, if not dangerous. Always be aware of the quickly changing weather.

Two of the other normal routes, the Grand Mulet and the Gonella junction into this route.

Approach

From Chamonix, one takes the bus or drives to Les Houches. At Les Houches, a cable car goes to Nid d'Aigle(2386m) from which a trail leads to the Tête Rousse Glacier, passing the Tête Rousse hut along the way. One can chose to stay at the Tête Rousse hut, however, most continue on. At the base of the final slope of the Aiguille du Goûter, a trail leads to the Grand Couloir. The Couloir is narrow and the rockfall here is continuous. It's a one person a time sprint across the couloir to the slope on the other side. Scramble up the slope, at the top of which sits the Goûter hut.
One does not have to cross the couloir, but can climb the rock rib north (left) of it. This way is only slightly more difficult.
The Goûter hut sits on the west side and just under the summit of the Aiguille du Goûter at 3817m 4 to 6hours from Nid d'Aigle.

Unless you are lucky enough to get reservations for the Gouter hut, you'll probably sleep on the floor.

Route Description

From the Goûter hut climb the broad snow ridge to the summit of the Dôme du Goûter (4303m). A slight descent takes one to the Col du Goûter (4240m). Now continue up a steepening slope, passing the Vallot hut along the way. The slope turns into a narrower and steeper ridge that leads to snowy ridge bumps, the Grande Bosse (4513m) and the Petite Bosse(4547m). After that the ridge becomes very narrow and leads past the rock of La Tournette (4677m). A final steep slope brings one to the summit.

In most case, route finding is not hard - just follow the deep track and the long line of people. Where the Bosses ridge is very narrow, passing descending climbers as well as inconsiderate people can make this part unpleasant.

4 to 5 hours.

The route is known to be very windy but with few crevasses.
This site has maps of the route.

Descents

There are several options for the decent.

1) Back down the Dôme du Goûter route. If you are planning to descend all the way to the valley, bear in mind that if planning to cross the Grand Couloir, it will at the most dangerous time of day. Also note when the last cable car descends to the valley.

2) Down the Grand Mulet route, which is noted for its many crevasses.

3) Down the Italian side on the Gonella route.

4) Traverse over M. Maudit and Mont Blanc du Tacul to the Aiguille du Midi. If planning this traverse, it is best to leave the Goûter hut at about midnight.

If you are planning to descend by a different route from the Dôme du Goûter route, be sure to have studied the maps and conditions carefully and attempt a traverse only in the best of weather.

Essential Gear

Rope, harness, crampons, jumars and/or prusiks. Extra clothing and skin protection. Be prepared for any type of weather!

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